Harbaugh awaiting more facts, information before making decision on McDonald

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that he is awaiting more information and facts before he and the 49ers decide how to proceed with defensive tackle Ray McDonald, who was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

For now, McDonald has been permitted to practice with his teammates in advance of Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

“Once we get facts, once we get information, then you’re going to be in a better time and better place to make a decision,” Harbaugh said.

He faced a barrage of McDonald-related questions from the media Wednesday for almost 10 minutes.

Time and again, Harbaugh cited the need for the 49ers coaches, general manager Trent Baalke and owner Jed York to gather enough facts so that they can make an informed decision on whether to let McDonald play, suspend him or cut him from the roster.

Harbaugh said he isn’t sure whether that information will be available before Sunday’s game in Dallas. McDonald was arrested last Sunday after he got into an altercation with his fiancée in San Jose. The San Jose police said McDonald’s fiancée suffered “visible injuries.”

Harbaugh made it clear that he has no tolerance for domestic violence. At the same time, there’s another principle involved, he said.

“The second principle is the respect for due process,” Harbaugh said. “It’s something we all know. We all live in America, we all understand that sometimes patience is required when it comes to due process.”

Finally, Harbaugh ended the line of questions and insisted that the remaining time be spend on on-field topics.

But not before he said he takes it “personally” when a member of his team gets in trouble.

“I take full responsibility, the greatest share of responsibility in that respect,” Harbaugh said. “That’s my responsibility as a head football coach.”

He added that despite the efforts of him, his coaches and the front office, more needs to be done to make sure players stay out of trouble.